Multiple station laundry feeder and control therefor

ABSTRACT

A flatwork laundry feeder having a plurality of stations or transfer mechanisms each movable between its loading position whereat an operator can secure a laundry article thereon and a common unloading position whereat the laundry article can be separated from the mechanism and subsequently handled by common equipment, and a control for operating the mechanisms independently on a first-come, first-serve basis as determined by the sequence in which the operators signal for each unloading cycle to begin, where the demand signal of any mechanism is stored if necessary until that mechanism is unloaded.

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ttes it 3,6 3 Thompson [451 y 23, 1972 3,436,850 4/1969 Henry et al. ..38/2 FEEDER COOL 1* FOR 3,421,756 I/ 1969 Weir ..271/79 3,537,705 11/1970 Gore..... ..271/ [72] Inventor- Q Z' Thlmpml" Salt Lake 3,553,863 1/1971 Sjostrom ..38/143 [73] Assignee: McGraw-Edison Company, Elgin, Ill. Primary Examiner-Jordan Franklin Assistant Examiner-Geo. V. Larkin 2 F l d: [2 1 l e May 1970 Attorney-Charles Lind [21] Appl. No.: 38,439

ABSTRACT [52] lU.S.Cl ..38/143, 271/54, 271/79, A flatwork laundry feeder having a plurality of stations or 198/75 transfer mechanisms each movable between its loading posi- Hillt- CI. tion whereat an operator can ecure a laundry article [hereon [58] Field of Search ...38/ 143, 2, 7, 8; 214/6, 1; and a common unloading position whereat the laundry article 26/15 28/1 E; 271/45 5144, can be separated from the mechanism and subsequently han- 63 63 A; 198/20 dled by common equipment, and a control for operating the 20 R40 mechanisms independently on a first-come, first-serve basis as determined by the sequence in which the operators signal for [56] References Clted each unloading cycle to begin, where the demand signal of any UNITED STATES PATENTS mechanism is stored if necessary until that mechanism is unloaded. 3,231,267 l/l966 Boam et al ..271/69 3,376,036 4/1968 Weir ..271/54 15 Claims, 9 Drawing Figures "Gill Patented May 23, 1972 3,664,@

5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Inventor g Richard D. Thompson Patented May 23, 1972 3,654,046

5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Inventor 3 Richard D. Thompson By MW Attorney Patented May 23, 1972 3,664fl4 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 FIG. 40 m f l I 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 FIG/1C loo LIOZ Patented May 23, 1972 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 MULTIPLE STATION LAUNDRY FEEDER AND CONTROL THEREFOR Large flatwork pieces, such as sheets, spreads, tablecloths or the like, commonly pressed on roll type ironers, must be spread out and feed flat and square into the ironer. Manual spreading of flatwork is done by a two person team which initially untangles a particular flatwork article from others in a hopper and by grasping and separating adjacent corners spreads an edge of the article to full width. This edge is then fed onto a transfer conveyor or into the ironer feed rolls, and the operators then spread or fluff out the trailing side edges. Machines for spreading and feeding flatwork operate in a semi-automatic manner where a single operator can load the article into the machine which then spreads the article and feeds it flat onto an appropriate transfer conveyor.

This invention relates generally to such a machine and provides a device having a plurality of separate working stations or transfer mechanisms each of which can be independently and concurrently loaded by an operator for highest machine output. Each loaded transfer mechanism is designed to move from its loading position to a common unloading or pick-off area where the article is then removed from the mechanism. The means for removing the article does not relate to this invention, but could operate according to the H. J. Weir US. Pat. Nos. 3,376,036 and/or 3,421,756.

The particular invention disclosed herein moreover provides a control for operating the transfer mechanisms on an independent first-come, first-served basis to permit any one mechanism to be operated continuously, or any group of mechanisms to be operated in a random intermingled manner dependent only on the order each station operator signals for the transfer to begin. According to the specific three station disclosure, three operators are used for maximum output and any operator after loading the article onto the transfer mechanism can signal for the transfer cycle to begin by depressing a control element, whereupon the control initially checks to determine if the unloading pick-off area is open or is already occupied by another earlier signaled transfer mechanism not yet unloaded and then either causes the transfer and unloading or stores the signal until the unloading area is open and then directly causes the transfer. The control in fact has for each mechanism as many holding means or memory levels as there are separate transfer mechanisms, and the memory levels are interconnected to be set or released responsive to certain physical conditions.

Accordingly, the main object of this invention is to provide a flatwork handling device having a plurality of separate loading stations or transfer mechanisms each capable of being independently and concurrently loaded by an operator and further having means to move the transfer mechanisms to a common pick-off or unloading position whereat the article can be removed from the mechanism and subsequently handled as desired.

Another object of this invention is to provide for use in such a multiple station device a control for sequentially operating the transfer mechanisms in the same order as the operators signal for the transfer of each to begin, whereby an operator after signalling for the transfer can do other preparatory work for a subsequent article independently of whether the transfer cycle actually begins or is delayed by an earlier signalled mechanism that has not yet been completely cycled.

These and other objects of this invention will be more fully understood and appreciated after reviewing the following specification, the accompanying drawings forming a part thereof, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a preferred embodiment of a spreading and feeding device made according to the subject invention;

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the device shown in the previous figures, particularly as seen generally from line 3-3 in FIG. 1; and

FIG. 40, FIG. 4b, FIG. 40, FIG. 4d, FIG. 4e, and FIG. 4f cumulatively is a schematic of a control suitable for operating the above disclosed device in a preferred manner.

The disclosed device 10 is seen to include a frame 12 having an open front working area 14 including a lower framed canvas tray 16 for keeping the laundry article that is to be spread off the floor. At the front working area of the device there are provided three combination loading and transfer mechanisms 20, 22 and 24 each of which is provided with appropriate clips 26 suitable to hold the adjacent corners of an article A (FIG. 2) to be fed and spread. Each loading and transfer mechanism is supported to be moved between a loading station convenient to an operator for that station (shown for mechanisms 22 and 24 and in phantom for mechanism 20 in FIG. I) and a pick-off or unloading position (shown for mechanism 20 in FIGS. 1 and 3).

At this transfer area, appropriate structure is available for removing the article from the transfer mechanism, for spreading the article, and for feeding the spread article onto a transfer conveyor. Specifically, clamps 30 are designed to grip and remove the article A from the clips 26 of the transfer mechanism at the unloading area, and the clamps 30 are mounted on a transverse beam 32 supported in turn on rollers 34 to move along frame track 36 to bring the clamps to the unloading area and then rearwardly thereof and over a conveyor 38. The conveyor 38 rotates so that the upper run moves away from the forward working area 14 of the unit. When the clamps 30 have gripped the article, the beam is moved rearwardly until the article hangs generally along line 39 (FIG. 3), whereat the clamps are separated along the beam 32 until the clamped edge of the article is drawn tight. Once again the beam moving structure 40 (generally indicated in FIG. 3) moves the beam further rearwardly to bring the leading clamped article edge 41 over the conveyor whereupon the leading edge is released and dropped onto the conveyor.

A drive roll 42 is positioned forwardly of the conveyor and has a friction surface thereon suitable to help lift the trailing portion of the article and move it onto the conveyor. Appropriate separating structures 46 are located below the power roll 42 and serve to unfold the trailing portions of the article to full width so that the article is fed at full width onto the conveyor. The advancing speed of the roll 42 is preferably slower than the advancing speed of the conveyor 38, while the advancing speed of the clamps 30 and the beam in the direction of the conveyor 38 is faster than the advancing speed of the roll but slower than the advancing speed of the conveyor. This is preferred so that when the clamps release the leading edge of the article, they move away from the article, and further that the leading article edge on the conveyor is biased away from the trailing portion of the article which is fed by the roll with a positive force onto the conveyor.

The discharge end of the conveyor 38 is suitably located relative to another conveyor on an ironer or like secondary machine so that the spread article is ultimately fed into this secondary machine. The particular construction of the subsequent takeaway conveyors or the like is of no importance to the subject invention and accordingly is not shown.

Referring now to one specific improvement of the subject invention, it will be noted that the three mechanisms 20, 22 and 24 are adapted to move between a separate loading station and a common unloading area. In this regard, the center mechanism 22 is supported by a pair of parallel rods which slide in bearings 62 front to rear of the unit between the loading and unloading positions of the station. A power cylinder 64 connected to the frame at 65 and to the mechanism at 66 is utilized to move the mechanism automatically between the loading and unloading positions, and damper 68 can be provided to smooth out the movement of the mechanism particularly near the end of its stroke when approaching either position. Each of the end mechanisms 20 and 24 is generally of similar construction and is supported on a pair of swinging arms 70L and 70R pivoted at 71L and 71R to the frame 12 and at 72L and 72R to the particular mechanism. A power cylinder 74L and 74R likewise pivoted at 751.. and 75R to the frame and at 76L and 76R to the remote arms swings the mechanism between the loading and unloading positions. To eliminate the possibility of one end station or mechanism 20 or 24 from striking the other, a bumper rod 79 is supported to slide between the adjacent arms of the end mechanisms with appropriately located stops 82 being provided thereon that engage the arms when the stations approach one another to the extent where they might collide.

As can be seen in FIG. 1, the mechanisms when in the loading areas are well separated from one another so that an operator can be associated with each of these mechanisms. Consequently, in the disclosed device three operators can be utilized for maximum output each working simultaneously although independently of one another. In this regard, after the article is loaded on any transfer mechanism, the operator should be able to signal that the loading is complete and the transfer and unloading cycle can begin, and immediately be free to do other preparatory work for loading a subsequent article. A particular control suitable for operating the three stations on a first-come, first-serve basis independently of any particular sequence, will be disclosed now, the schematic of the same being shown in the combined FIG. 4.

Before the control is disclosed in detail, it is appropriate to review what outcome is desired as related to the separate mechanisms and operator for each. Basically, the control should be suited for operating each mechanism independently or all mechanisms concurrently in an identical manner as would but any one operator work. Thus, after any operator signals that the transfer mechanism is loaded she should be free to do preparatory work for loading another article, although the actual unloading of the station might be delayed.

In the disclosed control, the first signalled mechanism is the first mechanism to be unloaded, and successively signalled mechanisms are unloaded in the sequence that each is signalled to be unloaded. The advantages of this first-come, first-serve control in general are that any station can be used exclusively with no modification of the control or all stations can be used concurrently and independently of the sequence of transfer and the operator after signalling for the unloading cycle to begin moreover is relieved of any subsequent action even though the actual cycle beginning might be delayed.

In general, each of the loading and transfer mechanisms has a signalling device or element 85 which the operator can actuate to start the unloading cycle. Also each station has a sequence series that is generally similar to one another, and each series has as many memory levels or holding devices as there are are separate transfer mechanisms, or three as the disclosed control provides. Moreover, the disclosed control has solid state components and utilizes transistors as switches so that at times the transistor might normally be closed or in a current conducting condition, or might be open or in a nonconducting condition. The specifics of this will become more apparent after referring to the circuit.

In order to best understand the control, even in general principles, it will be described completely as far as one of the sequencer series, and then related to the others with references to specific junctures and circuit actions.

The particular control has four power lines of varying DC potential, such as line 100 (which for reference purposes might be at a positive 6 volt potential); line 101 (which might be at zero potential); line 102 (which might be a negative 12 volt potential); and line 103 (which might be a negative volt potential). This potential line 103 is developed by means of a circuit (FIG. 40) including resistors 104 and 105 connected between the potential lines 101 and 102, with the juncture 106 between the resistors being connected again across diode 107 and 108 to the line 102.

The input signal from each mechanism is taken from the zero potential line 101, such as typically closing the switch 109 (FIG. 4b) by actuation of control element 85 on the transfer mechanism. The impulse upon switch 109 being closed is directed from juncture 113 through diode 218, to the input juncture 216 of the first level holding or memory device, generally identified 88; through diode 111 and line 110 to input juncture 150 for the second level holding or memory device 89; and through diode 116 and resistor 117 to input juncture 118 of the third level holding or memory device 90. Thus, each of these holding or memory devices receives a starting or energizing impulse upon element being depressed and switch 109 closing.

Referring first to the third level memory or holding device (generally shown as 90R in FIG. 4c), the juncture 118 is the input of a latching or holding circuit 120. The latching circuit 120 normally includes a loop connection of diode 121, resistor 122, a capacitor 123 from juncture 125 to the potential line 102, a resistor 126 connected to the base of transistor 127, the collector of the transistor connected at junction 128, resistors 129, junction 130, resistor 131, junction 132 connected to the base of transistor 135 as well as through resistor 136 to the potential line 100, the emitter of transistor 135 connected from potential line 101, and the collector of transistor 135 connected via resistor 137 to the junction 118 to complete the loop. The emitter of transistor 127 is connected to potential line 103, and juncture 118 is also connected through resistor 138 to potential line 102.

Normally, the various components are set up as between the differentials of the various potential lines so that the transistors 127 and 135 are nonconducting. The impulse from the zero potential line 101 upon the closing of switch 109 increases the potential sufficiently at the base to fire the transistor 127 thereby in turn reducing the potential of the base of transistor 135 sufficiently to fire the transistor 135, thereby causing a continuing high potential input to the base oftransistor 127 for holding or setting the latching circuit 120.

The junction 128 is connected through resistor 140, juncture 139 at the base of transistor 141, and resistor 142 to potential line 100. The emitter of transistor 141 is connected to potential line 101 while the collector of this transistor is connected via junction 143 and resistor 144 to potential line 102. Consequently, the firing of transistor 127 reduces the potential at the transistor base junction 139 sufficiently to fire the transistor 141 and thereby create an output signal atjuncture 143 and through diode 145 to the line 110. The net of the above is that upon switch 109 closing for the unloading cycle to begin, the third level memory or holding device 90 is energized and an output is maintained on the output side of the diode 145 back to line 110.

Following line 110 again to inputjunction of the second memory or holding means 89 (generally shown as 89R in FIG. 4b), note that junction 150 is connected to potential line 100 through resistor 155, junction 152 which connects to the base of transistor 154, and resistor 151; and is connected to potential line 102 through resistor 156. The emitter of transistor 154 is connected to potential 101 while the collector of the transistor connects through junction 157 and resistor 158 to potential line 102. The transistor 154 is normally conducting so that a potential of approximately the line 101 is normally realized at junction 157, whereas an impulse at input junction 150 increases the base potential of transistor 154 to render the transistor nonconducting to reduce the potential as it were at junction 157 almost to that of the negative potential line 102. Any impulse atjuncture operates as a blocking impulse as will become apparent shortly.

Junction 165 connects through resistor 166 to the potential line 102 and in the opposite direction through resistor 167, junction 168 and resistor 169 to the potential line 100. The junction 168 is connected to the base of transistor 172 while the emitter of this transistor is connected to potential line 101 and the collector of the transistor 172 is connected through resistor 173, junction 174 and resistor 175 to the potential line 102. Again the relative values of the components thus far noted are such that the transistor 172 is nonnally conducting except when an impulse is present at the juncture 165 of approximately the potential from line 101, which potential is sufficient to render the transistor nonconducting where the potential of the junction 174 thereby is reduced almost to that of line 102.

Junction 174 is the input of latching circuit 178 of the second memory level or holding means control 89. The latching circuit 178 is generally similar to the previously mentioned latching circuit 120 having the loop configuration including diode 181, resistor 182, junction 185 connected across capacitor 183 to potential line 102, resistor 186 to the base of the transistor 187, the emitter of the transistor 187 being connected to potential line 103 and the collector of the transistor 187 being connected to junction 188, resistor 189, junction 190 and resistor 191 to junction 192 which connects to the base of the transistor 195 and also through resistor 196 to potential line 100. The emitter of transistor 195 is connected to the potential line 101, while the collector of the transistor 195 is connected through resistor 197 back to the junction 174 to complete the latching loop 178.

The holding means 178 is fired in a similar manner where an impulse at junction 174 of value roughly equal to the potential line 101 raises the base potential of transistor 187 sufficiently to fire the transistor which is normally nonconducting which in turn reduces the base potential sufficiently of transistor 195 to fire the normally nonconducting transistor 195, which in turn applies the continuing potential to the transistor 187 for maintaining the latching circuit energized.

The junction 188 of latching circuit 178 is connected through resistor 200, junction 201 and resistor 202 to the potential line 100. The junction 201 connects to the base of transistor 204, where the emitter of the transistor is connected from the potential line 101 and the collector of the transistor 204 is connected to junction 205 and through resistor 206 to the potential line 102. When the latching circuit 178 is energized, there is a decreased potential at juncture 188 which because of the value of components causes the normally nonconducting transistor 204 to fire and thereby brings to the junction 205 a potential generally similar to the potential of line 101.

The junction 205 is connected via the diode 210 to juncture 130 of the latching circuit 120 of the third level memory device 90. An increase in potential at the junction 130 to that approaching the potential of line 101 increases the base potential of the transistor 135 sufficiently to cause the transistor to return to its normally noncommunicating state in which case the latching circuit 120 is released. The corresponding increase in potential at junctions 128 and 139 is sufficient to return the transistor 141 to its nonconducting condition to reduce the potential at juncture 143 and through diode 145 to line 110.

The summary of some of the above is that the latching of circuit 178 in the second control 89 is such as to unlatch the hold circuit 120 in the third level memory control device 90, whereas the output of the latched holding circuit 120 is such as to attempt to set the latching circuit 178 of the second level control 89. The purpose of this action will become clear as the description of the entire control is continued.

The impulse of the fired transistor 204 of the second level memory circuit at junction 205 is the same as the impulse communicated through diode 218 from junction 113 upon the initial closing of the transfer mechanism switch 109 which impulse is connected to the input junction 216 of the first level memory or holding series 88. In the first level device 88, junction 216 is connected in one direction through resistor 217 to the potential line 102 and in the opposite direction through resistor 218, junction 219 and resistor 220 to potential line 100. Junction 219 connects to the base of transistor 222, the emitter of this transistor being connected from potential line 101, while the collector of this transistor connects through junction 223 and resistor 224 to the potential line 102. The transistor 222 is normally conducting so that the potentials at junction 223 and through diode 229 at junction 230 are approximately equal to the potential line 101. However, upon junction 216 receiving an impulse corresponding to the potential of line 101, the transistor is made nonconducting and reduces the potential at junction 223 to that approaching the potential of line 102.

The junction 230 is connected across resistor 231 to the potential line 102 and is connected through resistor 232, junction 233, and resistor 234 with the potential line 100. The junction 233 is connected to the base of transistor 236, while the emitter of transistor 236 is connected to potential line 101 and the collector of the transistor is connected through resistor 237, juncture 238, and resistor 239 with potential line 102. The junction 238 is the input to a latching loop, including being connected to the base of transistor 242, where the emitter of the transistor 242 is connected to potential line 103 and the collector of the transistor is connected to juncture 244, through the resistor 246, juncture 247, resistor 248, juncture 249 to the base of transistor 252, and around through the collector of the transistor 252, juncture 253, and resistor 254 back to the junction 238. The juncture 249 moreover is connected through resistor 256 with potential line 100, while the emitter of the transistor 252 is connected to the potential line 101.

Normally when there is a potential on juncture 230 as caused by the fired transistor 222, the transistor 236 is nonconducting so that the potential at the input junction 236 is correspondingly similar to the potential of line 102 and transistor 242 is nonconducting. However, a positive impulse at junction 216 causes the transistor 222 to become nonconducting and correspondingly reduce the potentials at the junctures 230 and 233 so that the transistor 236 is fired which fires transistor 242 which in turn fires the transistor 252 to set up the latching circuit and reduce the potential at junction 244.

The junction 244 is connected through resistor 257 to juncture 258, and through resistor 259, juncture 260, and resistor 26] to the potential line 100. Junction 260 is connected to the base of transistor 262, while the emitter of the transistor is connected to potential line 101 and the collector of the transistor is connected through juncture 263, resistor 264, junction 265, and resistor 266 to potential line 102. Normally when the latching circuit 245 is energized and transistor 242 is conducting, the potential at junction 260 is such that the normally nonconducting transistor 262 is fired which thereby increases the potential at juncture 265 to that almost corresponding to the potential line 101. Junction 265 is connected to the base of transistor 270, while the emitter of the transistor is connected to the potential line 102 and the collector of the transistor is connected through resistor 271, juncture 272 and resistor 273 to the potential line 100. The juncture 272 is connected to the base of transistor 275 with the emitter being connected to potential line 101 and the collector of the transistor being connected through juncture 276 to the solenoid valve 277 for controlling the moving mechanism for the particular right hand loading and transfer mechanism. A connection is made from potential line 102 across diode 281 to the juncture 276 for suppressing arcing in the solenoid 277. Consequently, the firing of transistor 275 energizes the particular power cylinder control solenoid 277 for shifting the loading and transfer mechanism from the loading station to the unloading station.

Several safety limiting devices are provided to preclude the shifting of any transfer mechanism from its loading station to the unloading area where in fact there might be another mechanism in the way. These safety devices are provided by a limit switch physically located on the unit, for example limit switch 285 being located adjacent the left transfer mechanism and closed when the left station is at the unloading area to connect from potential line 101 through diode 286 an impulse to the juncture 258. A similar limit switch 287 is used in circuit from the potential line 101 through diode 288 to the junction 258 for the center station, this switch being closed when the center mechanism is not in its loading position. Thus, if either interfering condition of the left or center station oc curred, the charge of the potential line 101 is realized at the juncture 258 which precludes the firing of the transistor 262 and the operation of the right side station in solenoid 277.

As thus far described, upon depression of the operator actuated element 85R (FIG. 4b) associated with the right transfer mechanism, an impulse is directed to each of the first, second and third level memory blocks 88R (FIG. 4a) 89R (FIG. 4b) and 90R (FIG. 44) respectively. Assuming that the right station is the only station being operated and both the left and center stations are in the loading home positions, the following occurs. The impulse is directed to the junction 216 of the first level memory block 88R (FIG. 4a) which removes the blocking signal through diode 229 upon returning transistor 222 to its nonconducting state, which then fires transistor 236 to engage the latching circuit by firing transistors 242 and 252, which then gives a reduced output signal at junction 258 to fire the transistors 262, 270 and 275 and energize the power cylinder solenoid 277 for shifting the right hand mechanism to the unloading position. The same impulse is directed to the input junction 150 (FIG. 4b) of the second memory level block 89 to remove the blocking impulse at junctions 157 and 165 through the normally conducting transistor 154 so that transistor 172 fires to set up the latching circuit 178 by firing the transistors 187 and 195. Likewise, the impulse to the input junction 118 (FIG. 4c) of the third level memory block 90 sets up the latching circuit 120 by firing the transistors 127 and 135. However simultaneously with the various latching circuits 245 of the first level memory block 88, 178 ofthe second level memory block 89, and 120 of the third level memory block 90 being set, the output at junction 253 (FIG. 4a) ofthe set block is directed along line 290 through diode 291 (FIG. 4b) to the cancel junction 190 of the second level latching loop 178 which causes the transistor 195 to become noncommunicating to release the latching circuit 178. Likewise, the same output from line 290 of the first level device 88 is communicated through diode 292 to cancel junction 130 (FIG. 4c) of the third level control 90 which causes the latching cir cuit 120 to drop out.

The net effect is if the first level memory block of any of the stations is capable of being energized, each higher memory level device or block is rendered inoperative and the transfer mechanism itself normally will be biased to the unloading position.

The other sequencer series or first, second and third level memory blocks for each station are virtually identical to those just described. The blocking junction 258 for the first level control 88 has limit switch inputs from the other stations, such as the left station control 88L at inputjuncture 258L has limit switch 295 for the right station connected from potential line 101 through diode 296 while the same center limit switch connection is made across switch 287 (shown in FIG. 42 as 2870); while the center station control 88C (FIG. 4)) has the limit switch connections corresponding to 295 and 285 for the right and left stations respectively and shown in the schematic as 295R and 285L. This precludes the actual transfer of the mechanism, even after the memory device therefor has been fired, if another transfer mechanism is in an interferring position as determined by the set limits.

Likewise, it is noted that output junction 253 for the first level latching circuit 245 (FIG. 4a) is connected to the blocking junction 230 of the other station first level latching circuits to preclude more than one first level control 88 from being energized at any one time. Thus, as in FIG. 4a for the right hand station first level memory block 88R, a blocking input is provided to junction 230 from typical junctions 253L and 253C (not shown in detail) which communicates through diodes 300 and 301 respectively, to the junction 230. For the left control 88L (FIG. 4e), junctions 253R and 253C are connected to junction 230L; and for the center control 88C (FIG. 4]) junctions 253R and 253L are connected to the junction 230C. Thus, an output from any set first level memory latching circuit 245 precludes the concurrent setting of any other first level latching circuit.

In a like manner, the output in effect of the set second level latching circuit 178 at junction 205 is connected to the blocking junctions 165 of the second memory level block for the other two transfer mechanisms, such as junctions 205L and 205C are each connected through diodes 303 and 304 respectively to the junction 165 of the right station control (FIG. 4b); asjunctions 205R and 205L are connected to junction 165L of the left station control (FIG. 42); and asjunctions 205R and 205L are connected to junction 165C of the center station control (FIG. 4]). This means that if a second level memory circuit 89 of any transfer mechanism is set, then no other second level memory circuit of any other station can be concurrently set.

One other control is provided which is to preclude the simultaneous firing of the two end transfer mechanisms 20 and 24. Since the separator bar physically separates the swinging end transfer mechanisms, it is possible for more rapid cycling of the machine to actuate either end station as soon as the other end station is ready to be moved out from the unloading position, and the safety limit switches 285 and 295 in the first level or actuating memory circuit are located to be closed only when the respective transfer mechanism is in the unloading area. This is in contrast, for example, to the center mechanism limit switch 287 which is located to remain closed until the center station is almost or even in fact in its home loading position. This last mentioned control thus gives preference to the right station 24 over the left station 20 should per chance the control station switches 109R and 109L be simultaneously closed, and does so by providing a blocking input to juncture 258L through diode 305 of the first level memory circuit 88L from the solenoid valve firing juncture 263R (FIG. 42) of the right station first level control 88R.

Referring now to what happens when operators are present to close the various control switches 109L, 109C, and 109R for the left, center and right stations, respectively, in an arbitrary at random sequence. Assume, for example, that an operator closes switch 109R before any other operator closes any other control switch, at this time the first 88, second 89, and third memory level control ortions of the right station series are all energized. Because the unloading area is open, the first level memory block 88R is energized and the latching relay 245 is held, which releases the set relays 178 and of the second and third memory level blocks 89 and 90 respectively, from the latching outputjunction 253 to the respective cancel junctions 190 and 130. If there are no physical restrictions that would preclude the immediate transfer of the right mechanism from the loading position to the unloading position, such would actually occur from the impulse at juncture 276 and solenoid 277 would be energized. Consequently, the right station first level memory device 88 is energized and the right station second and third level circuits 89 and 90 are not energized. The particular shifting junctures 276L and 276C are shown in FIGS. 4e and 4f respectively as outputs of the first level controls 88L and 88C,

Should the center operator now signal for the center mechanism to begin the unloading cycle by momentarily closing the center switch 109C (FIG. 4]), the impulse from the closed switch 109C is directed to the first level block 88C, the second level block 89C, and the third level block 90C. How ever, since the first level control 88R for the right station 24 is already set and a blocking impulse from 253R is present at junction 230C, the first level memory device for the center station cannot be set. However, the same starting impulse is directed to the second and third memory blocks at junction C and 118C respectively, and since there is no output from junction 253C to cancel junction 190C, or blocking inputs from 205R or 205L to junction C the second control 89C is set. With the center second level latching circuit 178 energized, the output from junction 205 of the second level releases the set third level latching circuit at juncture 130C. Now, the right station first level memory control 88R (FIG. 4a) and center station second level control 89C (FIG. 4]) are set.

Should now the left station operator close the control switch 109L (FIG. 4e), in like manner to that previously noted a starting impulse is directed to the first, second and third level memory stages 88, 89 and 90, respectively. However, the first level device 38L cannot be set because there is a blocking signal from the junction 253R applied to the junction 2301s; the second level device cannot be set because there is a blocking impulse at the juncture 1651. from junction 205C; so that the third level control through juncture 118L is set. At this point, the right station first level circuit 88R is engaged, the center station second level circuit 89C is engaged, and the left station third level circuit 90L is engaged.

The actual transfer cycle of any mechanism is terminated by means of an appropriately located limit switch being energized, which means that the station is moved then from the unloading position to the normal home or loading position. In the disclosed device, it is appropriate to tie the cycle to the position of the beam 32 corresponding in fact to where the beam must be for the clamps 30 to be separated. The reset control includes a connection from junction 310 (FIG. 4a) through diode 311 to cancel junction 247 in each latching loop 245 of the respective first level memory device 88 effective with the proper impulse for releasing the latching circuit 245.

The impulse at junction 310 (FIGS. 40 and 4d) is achieved by the following typical circuit. When the particular latching circuit 245 is engaged, the output at junction 253 is conducted through diode 315 to junction 316, and through resistor 317 to the potential line 102, and through resistor 318, junction 319 and resistor 320 to the potential line 100. The junction 319 is connected to the base of transistor 322, while the emitter of the transistor is connected to the potential line 101 and the collector of the transistor is connected to junction 323 and through resistor 324 to potential line 102. Normally the transistor 322 is conducting when there is no impulse at junction 316 such that there normally is an impulse at junction 323 which is transmitted through diode 328 to blocking junction 329. This junction is connected through resistor 330 to the otential line 102, and through resistor 332, junction 341 and resistor 340 to the potential line 100. The junction 341 is connected to the base of transistor 342, while the emitter of the transistor is connected to potential line 101 and the collector of the transistor is connected through junction 310 and resistor 344 to the potential line 102. This junction 310 is the output of the reset control and as noted is connected to the cancel juncture 247 of the first level control 88.

As noted, the resetting of the transfer mechanism can be controlled by the beam 32 moving forward to allow the clamps to grasp the article and then returning to its home position where the separating clamps spread the article. To sense this, a limit switch 336 is located on the unit to be closed when the beam is in its home position and moving toward the transfer mechanism and remains closed until the beam is returned to or almost to its home spreading position whereupon the switch opens. The limit switch 336 is in a series circuit from potential line 101, junction 337 and diode 338 to the blocking junction so that when the switch is closed, a blocking impulse is present at the junction 329.

The reset control thus operates off the set latching relay 245 of the first level block 88 where the impulse from junction 253 renders the normally conducting transistor 322 nonconducting to remove this part of an impulse through diode 328 at the blocking junction 329. It is to be noted that each station has a similar reset control so the set first level block 88 indicates which of the particular stations is to be reset, namely the right, center or left. The beam moves off its home position toward the transfer mechanism to start the article unloading step and the limit switch 336 being closed presents a blocking impulse at juncture 329 which remains present until the beam returns to or almost to its home spread position whereupon the limit switch 336 opens to remove the impulse. The potential at juncture 329 thus drops sufficiently to fire the transistor 342 which causes an unlatching impulse from the juncture 310 to juncture 247 to deenergize the right station latching circuit 245 and return the right transfer mechanism to its normal loading position.

Upon the right station first level memory circuit 88R being deenergized and impulse 253R being removed from junction 230C (FIG. 4]) of the center station first level control 88C, the output of the center station second lever block 89C at juncture 216C is conducted to the input juncture 216C of the center station first level block 88C effective to set this control, and simultaneously release from output 253C to cancel junction 190C the center station second level control 89C. Again, upon the center station second level latching output from junction 205C to blocking junction 165L (FlG. 4e) being removed, the latching output at junction 1431. of the left station third level control 901. to input junction L of the left station second level control 89L sets this control, which simultaneously from the output 205L to cancel junction 130L releases the third level control 90L.

Consequently, the center station first level control 88C (FIG. 4]) and the left station second level control 89L (FIG. 42) are set. Should now the right station operator signal for the right mechanism unloading cycle to begin, the blocking inputs at junction 230 from junction 253C and at junction from junction 205L precludes the first level block 88R and second level block 89R from being set, so that the third level block 90R becomes energized.

It is noted that this searching for an appropriate open level block 83, 89 or 90 that can be set, progressing from each level to the next higher level, upon an operator signalling for an unloading cycle; and the step down of the levels from a high level to the next lower level block, upon the completion of the unloading cycle, is repeated in any random sequence automatically. The impulse signal is stored, if necessary, and sequentially moved from the highest stored level (up to the number of stations involved) down through the various lower levels until at the first level, the station itself is actuated and the unloading cycle completed.

The control can be expanded to handle additional loading stations by duplicating a complete sequencer series 88, 89 and 90 for each added station, as well as adding on each series a separate higher level memory block for each added station. Thus, a six station device would have six sequencer series and each series would have six levels, and the output of each level when energized would cancel all higher levels in the same series, would step down to the next lower level of the series when the latter was cleared, and would prevent the concurrent setting of the same level in two series.

What is claimed is:

1. An article feed mechanism for a flexible piece of large flatwork, the combination comprising a pick-off mechanism, first, second and third transfer mechanisms each capable or independently holding a separate piece of flatwork, means to move each transfer mechanism between its particular loading station whereat an operator can load the piece of flatwork onto the transfer mechanism and a common pick-off area adjacent the pick-off mechanism whereat the pick-off mechanism can be actuated to remove the article from the positioned transfer mechanism, first, second and third power means to operate the respective transfer mechanisms between the loading station positions and the pick-off area, and first, second and third control means for operating the respective power means for the transfer mechanism and including means to preclude the concurrent operation of the power means.

2. A feed mechanism combination according to claim 1, wherein the control means includes first, second and third manually actuated means providing an input signal upon actuation for the first, second and third transfer mechanisms effective if initiated first to operate the respective power means, and means to store any concurrent but subsequent input signals from the other manually actuated means until at least the first initiated power means is released.

3. A feed mechanism combination according to claim I, wherein the means to move the first transfer mechanism includes a pivotal support where the movement of the mechanism between its loading station and the pick-off area is along a curved path and wherein the means to move the second transfer mechanism includes a sliding support where the movement of the mechanism between its loading station and the pick-off area is along a straight path.

4. A transfer device having separate first, second and third transfer mechanisms each having its own control element to be manually actuated when a transfer cycle is to be initiated, a power means for operating each transfer mechanism, control means for operating the respective power means on a sequenced first-come, first-serve demand basis in the same order as the control elements are actuated, said control means including a sequencer series for each transfer mechanism having first, second and third levels where each level has a respective latching means, the first level latching means of each sequencer series having an output which is effective: firstly to actuate the power means of its respective mechanism, secondly to preclude the first level latching means of the other mechanisms from being set, and thirdly to release the second level latching means of the same series, the second level latching means of each sequencer series having an output which is effective: firstly to preclude the second level latching means of the other mechanisms from being set, secondly to release the third level latching means of the same series, and thirdly to set the first level latching means of the same series when no other first level latching means is set, the third level latching means of each sequencer series having an output which is effective to set the second level latching means of the same series when no other second level latching means is set, and each latching means in each series receiving an input upon the respective control element being actuated.

5. A transfer device according to claim 4, wherein first means support the first transfer mechanism to move along a curved path between first and second positions and second means support the second transfer mechanism to move along a straight path between the same second position and a third position.

6. A transfer device according to claim 5, wherein said first support means includes pivotal support and wherein said second support means includes a sliding support.

7. A transfer device according to claim 5, wherein third means support the third transfer mechanism to move along a curved path between the same second position and a fourth position.

8. A transfer device according to claim 4, wherein support means move each mechanism between distinct first positions and a common second position, wherein an unloading mechanism is located adjacent the second position to be moved initially to adjacent the so positioned transfer mechanism for unloading said mechanism and then to an operating position, and wherein a control responsive to the unloading mechanism being in the operating position has an output that releases the set first level latching means.

9. A transfer device, comprising a plurality of separate transfer mechanisms each having its own control element to be actuated when the transfer cycle for the particular mechanism is to be initiated, means to support each transfer mechanism to move between separate first positions and a common second position, a power means for each of the transfer mechanisms for moving the transfer mechanism to the second position, a common operating mechanism and means to move it between an operating position and a transfer position adjacent the common second position of the transfer mechanisms, control means for operating the power means of a particular transfer mechanism responsive to said respective control element being actuated on a first-come, first-serve basis, the control means including a first level latching means for each transfer mechanism having an output effective when set firstly for operating the respective power means and secondly for blocking each of the other first level latching means to preclude concurrent setting thereof, and means responsive to the operating mechanism returning toward the operating position from the transfer position to release the set first level latching means.

10. A transfer device according to claim 9, wherein the control means includes a second level latching means for each transfer mechanism, each of said second level latching means having an output effective when set firstly for blocking each of the other second level latching means to preclude concurrent setting thereof and secondly for providing an input to the first level latching means of its transfer mechanism effective when no other first level latching means is set to set its first level latching means.

11. A transfer device according to claim 10, wherein the first and second level latching means of any transfer mechanism are initially provided with an input to set same upon the transfer mechanism being actuated.

12. A transfer device according to claim 11. wherein each first level latching means has an output effective when set to release the second level latching means of the particular transfer mechanism.

13. A transfer device comprising separate first and second transfer mechanisms, support means for each mechanism for moving same between respective first positions and a common second position, a power means for operating each transfer mechanism, control means responsive to inputs each local to the particular mechanism for operating the respective power means on a sequenced first-come, first-serve demand basis in the same order as the inputs are received, said control means including a sequencer series for each transfer mechanism having first and second levels where each level has a respective first and second latching means, the first level latching means of each sequencer series having an output which is effective: firstly to actuate the power means of its respective mechanism, secondly to preclude the first level latching means of the other mechanism from being set and thirdly to release the second level latching means of the same series, the second level latching means of each sequencer series having an output which is effective to set the first level latching means of the same series when no other first level latching means is set, and each latching means in each series receiving an input upon the respective control element being actuated.

14. A transfer device, the combination comprising a pickoff mechanism, means to move the pick-off mechanism between an operating position and a pick-off position, first, second and third transfer mechanisms each capable of independently holding an article, means to move each transfer mechanism between its particular loading station and a common pick-off area adjacent the pick-off mechanism when the latter is in the pick-off position, separate power means to move the respective transfer mechanisms between the loading station positions and the pick-off area, control means responsive to inputs each local to the particular transfer mechanism for operating the respective power means on a sequenced first-come, first-serve demand basis in the same order as the inputs are received, said control means including a sequencer series for each transfer mechanism having first, second and third levels each having a latching means, the first level latching means of each sequencer series having an output which is effective: firstly to actuate the power means of its respective transfer mechanism, secondly to preclude the first level latching means of the other transfer mechanisms from being set, and thirdly to release the second level latching means of the same series, the second level latching means of each sequencer series having an output which is effective: firstly to preclude the second level latching means ofthc other transfer mechanisms from being set, secondly to release the third level latching means of the same series, and thirdly to set the first level latching means of the same series when no other first level latching means is set, the third level latching means of each sequencer series having an output which is effective to set the second level latching means of the same series when no other second level latching means is set, and means responsive to the pick-off mechanism being clear of the pick-off position to release the set first level latching means.

15. A transfer device, the combination comprising a pickoff mechanism, first, second and third transfer mechanisms means including a sliding support where the movement of the mechanism between its loading station and the pick-off area is along a straight path, the second transfer mechanism loading station being intermediate of the first and third transfer mechanism loading stations, power means to operate the respective transfer mechanisms between the loading stations and the pick-off area, and control means for operating the respective power means for the transfer mechanism and including means to preclude the concurrent operation of the power means. 

1. An article feed mechanism for a flexible piece of large flatwork, the combination comprising a pick-off mechanism, first, second and third transfer mechanisms each capable or independently holding a separate piece of flatwork, means to move each transfer mechanism between its particular loading station whereat an operator can load the piece of flatwork onto the transfer mechanism and a common pick-off area adjacent the pickoff mechanism whereat the pick-off mechanism can be actuated to remove the article from the positioned transfer mechanism, first, second and third power means to operate the respective transfer mechanisms between the loading station positions and the pick-off area, and first, second and third control means for operating the respective power means for the transfer mechanism and including means to preclude the concurrent operation of the power means.
 2. A feed mechanism combination according to claim 1, wherein the control means includes fiRst, second and third manually actuated means providing an input signal upon actuation for the first, second and third transfer mechanisms effective if initiated first to operate the respective power means, and means to store any concurrent but subsequent input signals from the other manually actuated means until at least the first initiated power means is released.
 3. A feed mechanism combination according to claim 1, wherein the means to move the first transfer mechanism includes a pivotal support where the movement of the mechanism between its loading station and the pick-off area is along a curved path and wherein the means to move the second transfer mechanism includes a sliding support where the movement of the mechanism between its loading station and the pick-off area is along a straight path.
 4. A transfer device having separate first, second and third transfer mechanisms each having its own control element to be manually actuated when a transfer cycle is to be initiated, a power means for operating each transfer mechanism, control means for operating the respective power means on a sequenced first-come, first-serve demand basis in the same order as the control elements are actuated, said control means including a sequencer series for each transfer mechanism having first, second and third levels where each level has a respective latching means, the first level latching means of each sequencer series having an output which is effective: firstly to actuate the power means of its respective mechanism, secondly to preclude the first level latching means of the other mechanisms from being set, and thirdly to release the second level latching means of the same series, the second level latching means of each sequencer series having an output which is effective: firstly to preclude the second level latching means of the other mechanisms from being set, secondly to release the third level latching means of the same series, and thirdly to set the first level latching means of the same series when no other first level latching means is set, the third level latching means of each sequencer series having an output which is effective to set the second level latching means of the same series when no other second level latching means is set, and each latching means in each series receiving an input upon the respective control element being actuated.
 5. A transfer device according to claim 4, wherein first means support the first transfer mechanism to move along a curved path between first and second positions and second means support the second transfer mechanism to move along a straight path between the same second position and a third position.
 6. A transfer device according to claim 5, wherein said first support means includes pivotal support and wherein said second support means includes a sliding support.
 7. A transfer device according to claim 5, wherein third means support the third transfer mechanism to move along a curved path between the same second position and a fourth position.
 8. A transfer device according to claim 4, wherein support means move each mechanism between distinct first positions and a common second position, wherein an unloading mechanism is located adjacent the second position to be moved initially to adjacent the so positioned transfer mechanism for unloading said mechanism and then to an operating position, and wherein a control responsive to the unloading mechanism being in the operating position has an output that releases the set first level latching means.
 9. A transfer device, comprising a plurality of separate transfer mechanisms each having its own control element to be actuated when the transfer cycle for the particular mechanism is to be initiated, means to support each transfer mechanism to move between separate first positions and a common second position, a power means for each of the transfer mechanisms for moving the transfer mechanism to the second position, a common operating mechanism and means to move it between An operating position and a transfer position adjacent the common second position of the transfer mechanisms, control means for operating the power means of a particular transfer mechanism responsive to said respective control element being actuated on a first-come, first-serve basis, the control means including a first level latching means for each transfer mechanism having an output effective when set firstly for operating the respective power means and secondly for blocking each of the other first level latching means to preclude concurrent setting thereof, and means responsive to the operating mechanism returning toward the operating position from the transfer position to release the set first level latching means.
 10. A transfer device according to claim 9, wherein the control means includes a second level latching means for each transfer mechanism, each of said second level latching means having an output effective when set firstly for blocking each of the other second level latching means to preclude concurrent setting thereof and secondly for providing an input to the first level latching means of its transfer mechanism effective when no other first level latching means is set to set its first level latching means.
 11. A transfer device according to claim 10, wherein the first and second level latching means of any transfer mechanism are initially provided with an input to set same upon the transfer mechanism being actuated.
 12. A transfer device according to claim 11, wherein each first level latching means has an output effective when set to release the second level latching means of the particular transfer mechanism.
 13. A transfer device comprising separate first and second transfer mechanisms, support means for each mechanism for moving same between respective first positions and a common second position, a power means for operating each transfer mechanism, control means responsive to inputs each local to the particular mechanism for operating the respective power means on a sequenced first-come, first-serve demand basis in the same order as the inputs are received, said control means including a sequencer series for each transfer mechanism having first and second levels where each level has a respective first and second latching means, the first level latching means of each sequencer series having an output which is effective: firstly to actuate the power means of its respective mechanism, secondly to preclude the first level latching means of the other mechanism from being set and thirdly to release the second level latching means of the same series, the second level latching means of each sequencer series having an output which is effective to set the first level latching means of the same series when no other first level latching means is set, and each latching means in each series receiving an input upon the respective control element being actuated.
 14. A transfer device, the combination comprising a pick-off mechanism, means to move the pick-off mechanism between an operating position and a pick-off position, first, second and third transfer mechanisms each capable of independently holding an article, means to move each transfer mechanism between its particular loading station and a common pick-off area adjacent the pick-off mechanism when the latter is in the pick-off position, separate power means to move the respective transfer mechanisms between the loading station positions and the pick-off area, control means responsive to inputs each local to the particular transfer mechanism for operating the respective power means on a sequenced first-come, first-serve demand basis in the same order as the inputs are received, said control means including a sequencer series for each transfer mechanism having first, second and third levels each having a latching means, the first level latching means of each sequencer series having an output which is effective: firstly to actuate the power means of its respective transfer mechanism, secondly to preclUde the first level latching means of the other transfer mechanisms from being set, and thirdly to release the second level latching means of the same series, the second level latching means of each sequencer series having an output which is effective: firstly to preclude the second level latching means of the other transfer mechanisms from being set, secondly to release the third level latching means of the same series, and thirdly to set the first level latching means of the same series when no other first level latching means is set, the third level latching means of each sequencer series having an output which is effective to set the second level latching means of the same series when no other second level latching means is set, and means responsive to the pick-off mechanism being clear of the pick-off position to release the set first level latching means.
 15. A transfer device, the combination comprising a pick-off mechanism, first, second and third transfer mechanisms each capable of independently holding an article, first, second and third means to move the respective transfer mechanisms between separate loading stations whereat an operator can independently load the article onto each transfer mechanism and a common pick-off area adjacent the pick-off mechanism whereat the pick-off mechanism can be actuated to remove the article from the positioned transfer mechanism, said first and third transfer mechanism moving means each including a pivotal support where the movement of each mechanism between its loading station and the pick-off area is along a curved path and said second transfer mechanism moving means including a sliding support where the movement of the mechanism between its loading station and the pick-off area is along a straight path, the second transfer mechanism loading station being intermediate of the first and third transfer mechanism loading stations, power means to operate the respective transfer mechanisms between the loading stations and the pick-off area, and control means for operating the respective power means for the transfer mechanism and including means to preclude the concurrent operation of the power means. 